Conductor Miguel Roa has been music director of the Teatro de la Zarzuela since 1985 and he has encyclopedic knowledge about this art form. Best of all, he is a fine conductor who makes sure the audience enjoys a tuneful and rhythmically vibrant show. The production was directed by Emilio Sagi who, together with Paul Taylor, designed the minimal settings.

The simple, mainly black and white costumes by Pepa Ojanguren were disappointing to anyone who thinks of Spain as the land of bright sun and vibrant colors, but the music was fabulous and its infectious melodies made up for the lack of visual color. This was a very special evening at Los Angeles Opera and it was a great privilege to have been there.